Manchester United to play A-League All Stars in Sydney

Manchester United will come to Sydney to take on a Hyundai A-League All Stars team on Saturday July 20, 2013.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) in conjunction with the NSW Government and Destination NSW has today confirmed that English Premier League (EPL) giants Manchester United will play the A-League All Stars at ANZ Stadium in Sydney next July.

The international exhibition match on Saturday 20 July will be exclusive to Sydney in the only appearance by Manchester United in Australia during the club-s 2013 pre-season tour.

Manchester United is set to bring out its full squad in preparation for the 2013-14 EPL season.

FFA CEO David Gallop has hailed the confirmation of the high-profile match as another great opportunity to showcase Australian football.

“Having Manchester United as the opponent for our first ever A-League All Star game will put the Hyundai A-League on the world stage,” said Gallop.

“I-m absolutely delighted that Australian fans will get to see the Red Devils in action against the best A-League players. It-s a massive opportunity for our players and one the fans won-t want to miss.

“On behalf of the football community, I thank Manchester United, the NSW Government, its agency Destination NSW, and ANZ Stadium for making this tour possible.”

NSW Premier Barry O-Farrell said he-s pleased to welcome Manchester United to Sydney.

“I-m delighted that the NSW Government-s agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with ANZ Stadium, has won an Australian and New Zealand exclusive to host Manchester United in NSW, the home of world class sport.”

“Manchester United will play a not-to-be-missed match against an A-League All Stars team at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 20 July 2013.”

“I-m looking forward to welcoming Manchester United back to Sydney - their first visit to NSW since 1999. Manchester United is the most successful English football club in history, having won 19 Premier League titles, 11 FA Cups and three European Cups, and the match against our A-League team promises to be an exhilarating contest.”

“I invite Manchester United fans and football fans across the world to come to Sydney to enjoy the best in world football, in Australia-s premier sports and major events city.”

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said: “Destination NSW is proud to have secured another major events coup for NSW. The Manchester United game will generate more than 20,000 overnight international and interstate visitors to Sydney, contributing an estimated $16 million to the NSW economy.”

ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, said: “It-s fantastic to have one of the greatest football teams in the world playing at ANZ Stadium. The Manchester United match promises to be the international jewel in the crown for ANZ Stadium-s 2013 event schedule.”

Manchester United Chief Executive, David Gill said, “The game and training camp that will take place in Sydney will be an important part of the team-s preparation for the 2013/14 season.”

"We are delighted to accept the invitation from the New South Wales Government and Football Federation Australia to visit one of the world's truly great cities.

"There are three main reasons we go on pre-season tour. First and foremost is the team-s preparation for the season ahead. But the tour also allows us to engage with our global fan base and network of commercial partners.

"It has been a while since we last visited Sydney and we are looking forward to renewing our relationship with our loyal and enthusiastic Australian fans."

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